Luxury train and cruise operator Orient-Express has a number of exclusive travel suggestions to tempt those looking for a special break or day trip this summer.
In the UK, Orient-Express offers an extensive programme of luxury day excursions to Britain’s historic towns and stately homes as well as sporting and social events with its two day trains the British Pullman and the Northern Belle.
The summer sporting calendar is crammed with an array of prestigious events and the British Pullman and Northern Belle offer a glamorous way to witness them.
The British Pullman provides the perfect day out to Cowes, the world’s premier sailing regatta. Departing on the 2nd August, guests travel out in style on the British Pullman whilst enjoying a delicious brunch with bucks fizz. An exclusive Thames Sailing Barge provides an ideal platform from which to view the racing whilst enjoying a buffet lunch. Guests return to London on the British Pullman where liveried stewards will serve them a three course supper with champagne and wine. This trip departs from London Victoria and costs £335 per person.
The Ebor Race Meeting at York combined with a luxurious journey on the Northern Belle, are the perfect ingredients for a memorable day out. The Northern Belle will transport guests to York Races in luxury whilst they indulge in a delicious brunch with bucks fizz. Whilst at the course they have access to the exclusive Orient-Express marquee complete with a champagne reception and afternoon tea. On the return journey, guests round off their day with a four course supper with champagne and wine. This trip departs on the 17th August from Chester and Manchester and costs £375 per person.
For the many golf lovers who travel to Scotland each September to watch the Dunhill Links Championship, a trip on the luxurious Royal Scotsman train is a memorable way to extend their stay north of the boarder. Accommodating just 36 passengers it is arguably Scotland’s most unique short break experience and provides traditional Scottish hospitality and fine dining combined with sumptuous surroundings and attentive service.
The 2 night Highland itinerary leaves Edinburgh Waverley Station on Tuesday, 27 September and is the perfect way to experience the wild beauty of the Scottish Highlands along with Scotland’s dramatic Eastern coast on this circular route via Blair Atholl, Inverness, Aberdeen and Dundee, before returning to Edinburgh just in time for the start of the Dunhill Links Championship. It costs £1,590 per person. Alternatively, for those wanting a post tournament experience the 4 night Classic itinerary departs Edinburgh on Saturday, 4 October and includes visits to the Isle of Skye, the picturesque village of Plockton and romantic Ballindalloch Castle. It costs £2,950 per person. Prices are inclusive of all meals and drinks on board as well as all off train activities.
Played over three of the world’s most spectacular links courses – the Old Course at St.Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns, the Dunhill Links Championship attracts golf professionals, celebrity players and amateurs alike and runs this year from 29 September to 2 October.
Guests travelling onboard Orient-Express’ fleet of five luxury Afloat in France péniche-hotels during September have the opportunity to witness the wine harvest first hand as they cruise through the beautiful vineyards of rural France.
Exclusive access is gained to a number of small family run vineyards to allow guests to help pick the grapes, or simply observe if they prefer, before joining in with the pressing. Guests also get to taste the grape juice on the very day it is harvested before the wine making process actually begins.
Péniche-hotels Napoleon and Alouette have availability during this September with prices starting from £2,610 and £2,510 per person respectively for a week’s cruise based on two adults sharing a double/twin cabin on a fully inclusive basis. The price also includes travel from London, all local transfers and sightseeing.
Further a field in Burma (Myanmar), July sees the start of the 10th Anniversary Road To Mandalay season. In Ancient Myanmar, the river cruiser the Road To Mandalay travels along the historically unique Ayeyarwady River, providing the most comfortable vantage point from which to absorb the surrounding serene beauty, taking in golden-spired pagodas, ancient temples, sleepy riverside settlements and saffron-clad monks. Cruises vary from three to eleven nights with the option of additional nights pre/post cruise in historic Yangon. Prices start from £1090 per person for a three night cruise.
For those searching for the ultimate Burma experience, there is still availability on the special eleven night Bhamo cruise this August. At the end of the rainy season when the Ayeyarwady floods, the Road To Mandalay embarks on this incredible passage to Bhamo near to the Chinese border. This scenic journey gives passengers the opportunity to witness magnificent gorges and visit remote riverside towns and pagodas along the way. This journey of discovery departs on August 24th with prices starting from £1310 per person which includes return flights from Bangkok, all meals, hotels and excursions.
For further information on all of these unique experiences call 0845 077 22 22 or visit www.orient-express.com. To book The Royal Scotsman call 0131 555 1021 or visit www.royalscotsman.com
ENDS/.
For further media information please contact:
Anna Nash or Kathryn Malone
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Ltd
Sea Containers House
20 Upper Ground
London, SE1 9PF
Tel: 0207 805 5050 / 5064 Fax: 0207 805 5938
E-mail: anna.nash@orient-express.com / kathryn.malone @orient-express.com
